Ghost hunt!

20 October 2006

There may be no Baker Street within Stirling Castle but that will definitely not hinder the author of some of the greatest crime novels of all time from ‘detecting’ the supernatural at this magnificent Historic Scotland attraction.

For one night only visitors can join Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, on an after-dark tour, telling spine-tingling tales about this great medieval fortress, perched high on its lonely granite rock.

Sir Arthur will become 'The Ghost Hunter', exploring the darkest recesses of the Castle and its mysterious past on Sunday 29 October 2006, just two spooky days before Hallowe’en!

This master storyteller will lead the party through the ancient halls, corridors and chambers in search of the very spots where legends and tales of the supernatural began. Among the most celebrated ghost stories is that of the Green Lady, a lady in waiting to Mary, Queen of Scots, who was driven to despair by the death of her husband and leapt from the Castle walls.

Nick Finnigan, Historic Scotland Events Manager, said: "Stirling Castle is a place of many mysterious legends. This is a superb chance to hear them told by one of the greatest story-tellers of all time. And it will be all the more thrilling because The Ghost Hunter's tour takes place when the Castle is shrouded in darkness, long after the day visitors have left and when everywhere is normally locked and bolted for the night."

The tour is not recommended for the faint-hearted or for young children.

Tickets for 'The Ghost Hunter' event at Stirling Castle are available from The Hub on 0131 473 2000, with tickets costing £8 for adults and £6 for children and concessions. Shows are at 7.30pm and 9.15pm on Sunday 29 October.

Notes for editors

Stirling Castle is at the head of Stirling’s historic old town off the M9.

The role of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle will be played by a costumed performer.

The author was born in Edinburgh and lived from 1859 -1930. In his later years he developed an intense interest in spiritualism, spending £250,000 – a fortune in today’s terms – in its pursuit.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle developed his love of dark tales, and his reputation for being a fabulous storyteller, from his mother Mary Doyle.

Historic Scotland has 345 outstanding historic properties and sites in its care. These include some of the leading tourism attractions in the country, including Edinburgh, Stirling, and Urquhart Castles, Fort George, Linlithgow Palace, the Border Abbeys, and Skara Brae.

Historic Scotland’s complete events guide is available at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/events.

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